Story perspectives

Sony Says Players Don’t Own Digital PlayStation Games

9/1/2026

Summary

Story summary

Sony argues in a U.S. lawsuit that PlayStation customers do not own digital games.
Plaintiffs claim the “Buy Now” button implies ownership, violating California AB 2426’s license-warning requirement.
Sony’s August 21 filing cites Resident Evil Requiem purchases on Feb 14 and Feb 25, 2026 for $69.99.
Sony argues that multiple buyers can purchase the same title, making ownership impossible.

History

Historical Context

In 2003 Apple introduced the iTunes Store, selling individual tracks for $0.99 and framing digital music as licensed, not owned. The platform’s 2005 settlement with major record labels, costing $150 million, cemented the licensing framework across the industry and set a legal benchmark. Today, Sony argues in a 2026 California lawsuit that PlayStation purchasers, like iTunes buyers, receive only licenses, citing Resident Evil Requiem sales. The precedent suggests courts may uphold AB 2426’s license-warning rule, limiting consumer expectations of ownership for future digital game transactions.

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Story summary

Sony argues in a U.S. lawsuit that PlayStation customers do not own digital games.
Plaintiffs claim the “Buy Now” button implies ownership, violating California AB 2426’s license-warning requirement.
Sony’s August 21 filing cites Resident Evil Requiem purchases on Feb 14 and Feb 25, 2026 for $69.99.
Sony argues that multiple buyers can purchase the same title, making ownership impossible.

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